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The Final Week: 24 April 2006
I am nothing if not consistent! In the week running up to the marathon, my training programme saw me notch up a total of 0 miles. That is not a misprint, it is a zero.
Just two days before the big day, I was summoned to a publicity event with Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell. The photo-call required the three of us to complete a series of 10 metre runs. This turned out to be my warm-up for the big event!
My next stop was Southampton, to board the Queen Mary 2 for a two-day cruise. As much as I would have liked a two-day holiday before the marathon, this was not to be. The Queen Mary 2 was hosting the Somerfield Annual Charity Ball, which was to play a very important role in our fundraising endeavours.
Already acutely aware that I was poorly prepared for the impending 26.2 mile run, it was initially difficult to relax. Unfortunately, at this late stage, there was absolutely nothing I could do, so I decided to settle in for the night and enjoy the event. No early night for me!
At 6am on Sunday morning, we docked at Southampton where I was whisked off to the nearest helipad. The helicopter then transported me to the Woolwich army barracks where I was given a military police escort to the VIP area of the London Marathon.
You could say I arrived in style.
There were some very nervous faces in evidence at the starting line of the 2006 London Marathon. Surprisingly, mine wasn't one of them. Having officially declared my training a disaster area, I accepted my fate and prepared myself for the pain that was now a foregone conclusion.
After joining Lloyd Scott at the back of the 2000 runners for a quick photo-call, the moment I had been dreading finally arrived.
Ann, my wife, and Jane, my sister, were already well on their way. Having opted to walk the Marathon this year, they were collecting money en route as part of the fundraising campaign. My first aim was to catch up with them and help out. We hoped people would throw in a few coins, all of which would be gratefully received. How wrong we were! People were, quite literally, throwing bags of money in to our collection. I was amazed at the generosity on display - it was simply astounding.
Almost equally astounding was the pain in my feet. Having only just reached the four mile point, I was not expecting to suffer at this early stage.
At mile nine, despite the discomfort, it was time to get running. After changing my t-shirt for the ninth time [a different sponsor for each mile], my nephew and I set off to complete the course.
For the next eight miles we managed to maintain 10 minute miles which I was very pleased with. Luckily my sore feet went numb at the half-way mark so I couldn't tell you if they were damaged or not at this point.
Unfortunately, the 17 mile mark saw my lack of training rise to the surface. Cramp set in and I could feel at least one blister starting to form. Ben and I formulated a plan to enable us to go the distance. A combination of walking and running managed to see us through to the finish line at 5 hrs 29 mins. Not the greatest time but this Marathon was never about speed - luckily for me!
Once the race was over, I hardly dared remove my shoes. I didn't want to see the damage so I left them on. It was several hours before I investigated: one lost toe nail, one blister on the left foot and one blood blister on the right. All in all, I think I got off quite lightly.
Fundraising
It is very difficult to estimate the final total of the fundraising efforts as we have no idea how much the individuals within Team Redgrave have raised.
On the other hand, it is very easy to see just how much people have donated online. We have had an amazing response. Over 1300 people went online during Sunday's race to donate and the money continues to arrive.
Lloyd Scott, a rather special member of Team Redgrave, is continuing in his quest to complete the Marathon whilst sporting a full suit of armour and dragging a 8ft dragon! He is hoping to cross the finishing line on Bank Holiday Monday so I am planning to join him for the final stretch. Once he has completed the course, we will be able to make an official announcement.
Until then, I will be hoping for the best.
Click here to return to Steve's home page
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The Final Week: 24 April 2006
It is 3.45am on Sunday morning and I am quite sure that I am in the same boat as thousands of my fellow Marathon runners as sleep loses the battle with nerves.
Unfortunately, it is not the same boat as Steve, who is enjoying the luxury of the QM2, billed as the largest, longest, tallest, greatest, widest and grandest ocean liner in the world. My boat has less adjectives and more expletives!
After failing to snatch a few extra minutes in dreamland, my day starts at 4.30am. Shortly after, my son, not at his best at 5am, bumps and groans his way to the bathroom as he prepares to witness his Mum's debut at the London Marathon.
Fast forward to 7.45am and our car is being turned away from not one, but three, junctions signposted to Greenwich. A quick detour and a little luck and we arrive at the venue.
There are three separate starting points: blue for the elite athletes; green for the celebrities; and red for me. Well, me and around 35,000 people of all ages and abilities. It is really quite amazing to see such a diverse cross-section of people all intent on one purpose - to go the distance.
I am feeling quite relaxed. The only niggling fear is that of spaghetti legs! I remember witnessing those heroic individuals stagger and reel their way to the finish line in years gone by. I admired their grit but I have no desire to join them in the
London Marathon Hall of Fame.
Before I can indulge my fears any further, I am forced to take my first tentative steps towards my destination - 26.2 miles away.
The first six miles pass in a flash. I am trying to stick to my plan of running for five minutes, walking for one. This is not nearly as easy as it sounds. Filled with excitement and enthusiasm, everyone seems to be running as if their lives depend on it. The temptation to empty my fuel tank is hard to resist!
At seven miles my ankle begins to hurt. Undeterred, I continue with my plan and hope it will pass. It doesn't but I carry on anyway. This is the London Marathon - what else am I going to do? Giving up without the need of an ambulance is not an option.
Running through the east end of the course is a delight. The little kids hold out their hands for you to touch as you pass - their faces go from being full of expectation as you approach to absolute delight as you oblige. I swear these are the biggest smiles I have ever seen. Brilliant!
Just beyond the half way point and my enthusiasm is on the wane. The thought of not finishing has not crossed my mind but the idea of enjoying the journey is struggling to find a place in my mindset. It is just a case of getting from A to B.
At 18 miles, I am on virgin territory. I have never run, walked or crawled this distance before and I am about to find out how it feels.
Bumping into Steve at around 20 miles is a bonus. We join forces for a mile or so but, even though Steve's plan should be within my capabilities, he has more left in the tank than me. I stay at my own pace, determined not to experience those spaghetti legs without the aid of alcohol!
The best is yet to come. Seeing my mum's face at 24 miles is a completely new experience. I have never seen such an expression - a mixture of complete pride and complete relief that I am ok. No one worries about you quite like your Mum, well, no one worries like my Mum anyway but that's another story.
At the 25 mile point, my son is shouting over to me, arms outstretched ready to give me a huge hug. This is a moment that will never leave my memory bank. He runs along the path with me until I have to turn the corner to the home run.
Seeing the finishing line is just a tad emotional. I won't list the superlatives necessary to describe this last 200 metres - just be assured that it is a very special moment.
At this point, I am unaware that the best news is yet to come - the amazing response Steve has received for the World Record attempt. The fundraising web site has gone berserk during the race and people are still donating.
The response reminds me just how many people have taken Sir Steve Redgrave into their hearts. Everyone wants him to succeed and I have no doubt that he will. It's a great feeling to be a very tiny part of his latest huge achievement.
I have to say that I have never been congratulated for coming around 28,000th in a race before but it is quite clear that this isn't just any race...
it's the London Marathon.
Click here to return to Steve's home page
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